Bon Iver “S-P-E-Y-S-I-D-E”

Back to basics. Holy fuck, we needed this.

Bon Iver was creating what you might call "COVID music" a decade before the genre unofficially solidified. With the last album, i,i, released in 2019, fans have been left wondering what Justin Vernon has been experiencing in the years since. The wait, however, is over.

There's a twist—Vernon first performed Speyside at his unplugged concerts in 2022. Dedicated fans may have already caught glimpses of the song, but another layer of anticipation built as they fervently hoped for its official release. Today, their wish has been granted.

The title carries meaning: Speyside refers not only to a scenic region in Scotland but also a famed whisky-producing area. The song's creation, influenced by strong alcohol, feels like a quiet moment on a remote pier (Quay)—capturing isolation and solitude. And in these emotional depths, Bon Iver is more than a master—he's a professor.

What we're treated to is a raw, unfiltered, guitar-driven piece that strikes straight to the core. Justin Vernon's songwriting remains impeccable, weaving emotion and authenticity with ease. Yet, it's refreshing to dive back into an acoustic sound that harkens back to his early, iconic works. Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate the brilliance of i,i and 22, A Million, but those albums play more like avant-garde art, challenging and rich but not exactly everyday listening. S-P-E-Y-S-I-D-E feels like the reincarnation of For Emma, Forever Ago and Bon Iver—not a rehash, but the organic evolution of an artist who’s matured and found new ways to connect with his inner self. He shows us fresh, intimate reflections on life, this time with a directness that feels new for him.

Whether you interpret the lyrics as "Speyside quay" or "You're a space I'd keep," the song wraps you in its warmth and announces, without hesitation—autumn has begun.

The EP “SABLE,” by Bon Iver will be out on October 18, featuring the songs “…”, “Things Behind Things Behind Things” and “Awards Season”.

8.5/10